Decks, porches and gazebos
When you're planning a new garden space or looking to transform a LEED, Passive House or Green Home's exterior space in an eco-friendly way, an important part of the whole sustainability of exterior areas can be overlooked - and that's good, sound building practices & science applied to low impact & durable materials to make a beautiful & sustainable outside space for friends & family to enjoy.
Whether you're entertaining in the garden, relaxing surrounded by the sounds, smells and colors of nature or indeed working in your low impact, well insulated garden office to save yet another soulless commute & the pollution that inevitably causes, you'll find all manner of ideas in this section to make it easy to enjoy the great outdoors, without resorting to synthetic materials or chemicals that can damage insects & animals - including us Humans!
About
Decks, porches and gazebos
Welcome to our community forum on Decks, Porches, and Gazebos! This is the place to share your outdoor building projects, from simple front porches to expansive multi-level decks and elegant garden gazebos. Let's discuss design ideas, material choices, and construction tips for creating beautiful and durable outdoor living spaces.
Whether you're planning a DIY project, working with a contractor, or just looking for inspiration, your questions and experiences are welcome. Connect with other homeowners and builders from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and beyond to share your sustainable outdoor structure projects.
Share Your Deck, Porch, or Gazebo Projects and Material Choices
Have you recently completed an outdoor structure and have photos and insights to share? What materials did you choose—composite, FSC-certified wood, thermally modified wood, or something else—and how has it held up in your climate? Your real-world project stories are the best source of inspiration and practical advice for others in the planning stages. We also have Canada's and the USA's most comprehensive high performance and sustainable prefabricated and modular homes directory available here, searchable by Province or State, as well as the largest online directory of green construction contractors and the best and most experienced Architects that are skilled in designing sustainable homes to LEED and Passive House standards here on EcoHome.
Questions About Foundations, Framing, and Building Plans
Are you planning a deck build and have questions about setting footings, framing techniques, or navigating local building codes? This is the forum to ask for advice on everything from the best way to attach a ledger board to your house to tips for designing durable and safe railings. Get practical answers from a community of experienced DIYers and professionals.
Discussing Eco-Friendly Stains, Sealers, and Maintenance Tips
What are your favorite low-VOC or non-toxic products for staining and sealing a wood deck or porch? How often do you find you need to reapply finishes to keep your outdoor wood protected and looking great? Share your reviews of different eco-friendly products and your long-term maintenance routines to help others care for their outdoor structures in a safe and sustainable way.